Understanding Sake and How to Drink It

Sake's Complex, But the Cocktails are Worth a Little Knowledge

Welcome to the complex world of sake. Get a basic introduction to choosing a good sake and learn how to make a few great cocktails. Koji Hanabuchi / Getty Images

Sake is a rice-based alcohol primarily made in Japan that is commonly called rice wine, though this is technically incorrect. It can be a confusing beverage if you're new to it, but it is a great drink and if you haven't tasted a sake cocktail yet, now is a great time to begin.

What is Sake?

Sake is typically referred to as "rice wine" but it is actually produced by brewing, in the same way as beer.

It is a clear, low proof, alcoholic beverage that is made from rice, yeast, water and koji (a sort of sweet, fragrant mold injected into steamed rice or barley to aid fermentation).

Sake is categorized based on grade, style and the amount of polishing the rice receives. These are important factors when picking out a good bottle of sake, as you will see below. A label may have each of these three elements on it to indicate the sake's quality (i.e. Junmai Ginjo Genshu).

Before we get into all the technicalities of sake, let's learn how to drink it!

How to Drink Sake

There are two ways to drink sake straight: either hot or cold. A premium sake is best chilled while lower grades like futsu-shu are best served warm.

There are traditional sake sets available that include small cups and a small carafe (usually also heat-proof) which you can use to serve sake to guests. It is also appropriate to pour sake for the person next to you and allow them to do the same for you, never pouring your own if you have company.

Nigori - This sake tends to have a cloudy appearance because it is filtered less than others.

Rice Polishing

Rice is polished to remove the husk, bran and a portion of the germ. The sake designations below indicate the amount of polishing the rice has received and is the primary factor in finding a good sake.

It seems contradictory, but the less polished rice produces what is considered a high-quality sake. This is because there is more flavor left in the rice.

Dainginjo - Ultra-premium sake with rice polished 35-49%.

Ginjo - Premium sake with rice polished 50-60%.

Tokubetsu Junmai - Junmai sake made from rice polished at least 65%.

Junmai - Traditionally a rice that has been polished 70%, but now all the producer has to do is indicate the percentage on the bottle.

How to Store Sake

As stated above, sake is not a wine so it should not be stored like a wine because it does not improve with age.

Here are a few tips for keeping your sake fresh...

Most sake labels will have a bottling date on them and it is best to drink them as close to this date as possible.

Nama sake should be refrigerated because it is not pasteurized.

Unopened bottles should be kept in the refrigerator and can stay there for up to 16 months. If you intend to open it within a week, a wine chiller will suffice.

Opened bottles of sake should be capped and refrigerated and will last around 2 weeks.